Anton Bruckner Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Symphony No. 1 in C minorAnton Bruckner36rank/position

Bruckner: 1. Sinfonie (Linzer Fassung) ∙ hr-Sinfonieorchester ∙ Paavo Järvi

Completed in 1866, this work was subsequently revised many times by the composer and exists in multiple versions.

It progresses from a first movement with a well-proportioned melody, to a second movement that evokes beautiful landscapes, to a third movement with a rustic charm, and concludes with a dramatic fourth movement.

Symphony No. 2 in C minorAnton Bruckner37rank/position

Bruckner – Symphony No. 2 [Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Saarbrücken Radio Symphony Orchestra]

A work begun at a time when he had established himself in Vienna as an organist and professor and had gained confidence as a musician, including winning first prize at an organ competition in London.

It is an appealing piece featuring generous, bright strings, with rugged, rustic solos by the oboe and clarinet appearing here and there.

Symphony No. 3 in D minor “Wagner”Anton Bruckner38rank/position

Bruckner: 3. Sinfonie (Fassung 1889) ∙ hr-Sinfonieorchester ∙ Paavo Järvi

A work also known as the “Wagner Symphony,” named for the episode in which it was dedicated to Richard Wagner.

Incorporating quotations from Wagner’s compositions as well as parts of a Mass, it leaves a beautifully solemn impression.

As one of Bruckner’s mid-period works, it is a symphony popular among enthusiasts.

Symphony No. 5 in E-flat majorAnton Bruckner39rank/position

Bruckner: Symphony No.5 in B-flat major, WAB105(Nowak edition) / Kazuhiro KOIZUMI

Among Anton Bruckner’s symphonies, this work is renowned for its majestic and powerful character.

From the first movement, the commanding brass resounds, surging and subsiding in turn, and drives forward with vigor into the fourth movement.

It’s a recommended piece when you want to steel yourself at the start of a new year or when you’re in the mood for weighty, dignified classical music.

Symphony No. 6 in A majorAnton Bruckner40rank/position

Bruckner Symphony No 6 Celibidache Münchner Philharmoniker 1991

This symphony, completed in 1881 during Anton Bruckner’s middle period, was dedicated to Anton Heltzel, who was Bruckner’s landlord.

Consisting of four movements, it is an attractive work characterized by a broad, flowing style that evokes the grandeur of nature.

Because its musical ideas resemble Beethoven’s Symphony No.

6 “Pastoral,” it is also referred to as “Bruckner’s Pastoral Symphony.”

Symphony No. 7 in E majorAnton Bruckner41rank/position

Bruckner – Symphony No 7 in E major – Celibidache

This piece, dedicated to King Ludwig II of Bavaria, is known for its great success at its 1884 premiere.

It begins with a bright and radiant first movement, proceeds to a second movement rich in modulations, continues with a wildly spirited third movement, and concludes with an accessible fourth movement.

It remains popular today and is frequently performed.

Symphony No. 9 in D minorAnton Bruckner42rank/position

Bruckner – Symphony No 9 in D minor – Celibidache

Anton Bruckner’s final symphony.

The composer passed away in 1896, leaving the work unfinished.

Today, the completed three movements are often performed.

However, there are various interpretive approaches: later composers have attempted to complete the fourth movement, and in deference to Bruckner’s wishes, the Te Deum is sometimes used as the fourth movement.